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When a trip to London is on the cards, you’ll more than likely have all of the big names on your to-do-list. There’s Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, The Shard and Nelson’s Column, to name but a few. However, as prestigious and as exciting as these landmarks may be, there are many others the capital has to offer that tourists often overlook.

Columbia Road Flower Market

So, you’ve heard of the Chelsea Flower Show, right? Well this East London flower market is a great opportunity to spice up your Instagram, and the perfect chance to explore Hackney. This flower market is as historic and as traditional as you can get, it’s brilliant all year round and its sheer popularity makes for a brilliant atmosphere. In the summer, the stalls are plentiful with sunflowers and at Christmas, berries and mistletoe line the streets with magnificent Christmas trees stealing the show.

Sky Garden

This is London’s highest public garden. This green space towers 155 metres above the city and offers stunning panoramic views of the capital’s biggest landmarks, including the Tower of London, the Shard and a large share of the Thames. What’s more is that the garden is free to visit, and if it’s a special occasion, you can visit the Darwin Brasserie or Fenchurch Restaurant to really make a day of it. Plus, both eateries pave the way for those awe-inspiring views to continue.

Emirates Air Line

If heights, or stunning views rather, are your jam, the Emirates Air Line may also take your fancy. Located at the Royal Docks, this cable car link offers further incredible views, without the crowds that gather in agonisingly long queues found at The Shard or London Eye. A truly unrivalled perspective of the city, it’s a brilliant chance for some sightseeing, and regardless of the end you start at, you’re in for a true scenic treat.

Buddhapadipa temple

Found in Wimbledon, this was the first Thai Buddhist temple to be built in the UK. Found amongst the greenery and peaceful surroundings of West London, it’s a hidden gem that is a haven for mindfulness. The trip to the temple will transform for your jaunt to the capital into a trip to China for the few hours you spend there. And if you take a glance at the Buddhist calendar, you’re likely to find meditation classes and festivals that coincide.

Eltham Palace

Think you’ve got an eye for style? A venture to this South East London stately home should definitely head your list. The medieval authenticity of the place still remains there for all to see here, but the elegance of the 1930s art deco refurbishment work is a sight to behold. For the era, the enticers were completed to the utmost standards making for some deco chic that just can’t age. If you’re a fan of Poirot, the foyer is easily recognisable from many of the famed series’ many episodes.

There’s also Eel Pie Island, London’s Roman amphitheatre, Wilton’s Music Hall and so much more to offer. Don’t be afraid to cram in as much as you’re able to as the Dorsett Hotel, City of London makes for the ultimate place to unwind after a busy day of activities and sightseeing. The capital has so much to offer, and more. It really is no surprise that it’s one of the most visited and adored cities in the world.

The Mystery Spot is one of the most talked about travel destinations in the Santa Cruz, CA area. This “gravitational anomaly” is just 150 feet in diameter, but has an outsized presence in the popular imagination. It offers visitors a perplexing, perturbing experience that they just can’t seem to get enough of. If you dig visiting quirky attractions like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful or Roswell, NM’s Area 51, then you’ll love visiting the Mystery Spot. Located at 465 Mystery Spot Road, it’s near the Happy Valley Conference Center and Branciforte Creek. In 2014, California named this venue a historical landmark. Here’s what you need to know about visiting.

Where to Stay

There are several Santa Cruz hotels in the area. One good possibility is to make your base of operations the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Located at 407 Broadway Avenue, it’s only an 11-minute drive away from the Mystery Spot. Become a member, and enjoy a free breakfast. The Hyatt Place Santa Cruz is centrally located, so you can also head over to the Boardwalk, Wharf, and other downtown attractions. Situated in a more rustic setting, the Chaminade Resort & Spa is also close to the Mystery Spot. This hotel, situated on a mountaintop in northwestern Santa Cruz, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Even though you’ll want to stay and relax on its historic Mission-style, it’s still close to the downtown attractions of Santa Cruz.

Heading to the Mystery Spot

Because this venue is a hot (mystery) spot, operators suggest that you book a tour and buy tickets ahead of time. You may do so online. The cost is $8 per ticket. Parking costs $5 per vehicle. Plan to arrive about half an hour early, and have cash on hand.

Active duty military personnel receive free admission. Simply present your military ID. You will receive your discount if you pre-order tickets by showing the ID at the venue.

What Makes the Mystery Spot so Mysterious?

Prepare to send your brain reeling with the apparently gravity-defying spots around the property. Balls roll uphill, and you may have to lean well past your toe tips just to stay upright – or so it seems. Mystery Spot tour guides frequently hint at an electromagnetic field that may have roots out of this world.

Scientists beg to differ. The Association for Psychological Science considers the Mystery Spot a visual illusion. It points to tilted floors, intentional slanting of buildings, and the clever designs that make it hard to develop a grounded frame of reference.

However, don’t let scientific information deter you from enjoying the 45-minute tour. Thousands of people per year are wowed and entertained by the anomaly. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes; you’re in for a short hike up a steep hill. Then, suspend disbelief and let the illusion work its magic on your senses. You’ll swear that you defied gravity on this hill!

Stick around for Lunch!

The hike is sure to make you hungry. Think ahead, and bring a picnic lunch. There are benches and tables in the courtyard where you are welcome to sit down and have your meal. However, you don’t have to pack it in. There’s the Snack Shack on site where you can enjoy regular and vegetarian favorites. Examples include the Angus cheeseburger or vegetarian chili.

Visit the Hiking Trail

The Mystery Spot hiking trail is another attraction. After you finished your tour and had some lunch, head up into the beautiful redwood forest. Marvel at the tall trees. The hiking trail is a 30-minute excursion and well-marked for your safety. Just recently, Mystery Spot operators opened up a dahlia garden. Stop by to see the gorgeous blooms.

Going to different places to relax and bond with your loved ones can cost you much money if you do not know how to budget. According to studies, an average working class family spends thousands of pounds each year to go on a well-deserved vacation. However, if these things lack proper planning, it can cause you to acquire unnecessary debt that you will have to settle later. If you are trying to cut back on your travel expenses and still get to enjoy precious time with your family, why not consider planning a staycation. Check out companies like Surrey Air Conditioning to make sure that your home air conditioning gets regular maintenance service and remains in top condition all year round. Here are more helpful tips for you and your loved ones when you are planning an unforgettable staycation.

Go local

It is quite ironic that many people travel to distant places and even out of the country for a vacation. However, most of them have no clue about the attractions available in their local area. If you are on a staycation, this is the perfect opportunity for you to check out museums, parks, art galleries and watch plays. You can also choose to visit a couple of speciality restaurants that you have never been to and try out new food.

Another idea is for each family member to suggest places to visit each day for the course of the vacation. Try to accomplish everything that is on the list so that everyone’s requests are realised. You might discover something unexpected you have in common with your loved ones.

Do grocery shopping together

When was the last time that you and your spouse and kids got together to shop for groceries? If you do not have any idea when the last time was that you went out as a family, well you can plan to do it at the weekend. Going shopping with family members may sound crazy and impractical for some people. However, this is the perfect opportunity for you to know more about the interests of your kids, including their food choices. Ask them if they are craving anything so you can prepare that meal for dinner.

Spend a lazy afternoon playing indoor games

No errands to run for the entire afternoon? Take this opportunity to gather the whole family in the living room and play something fun. Whether it is challenging your kids to their favourite video games or teaching them about old school board games, it does not matter as long as everyone is willing to join the fun. Make the moment extra special by preparing their all-time favourite snacks of popcorn, chips and sandwiches. These are precious moments that your family will cherish forever, so try to bond with each other during weekends.

Planning a staycation is not complicated at all. This idea is a good and budget-friendly alternative to bring family members closer together.

A major part of traveling these days is having something to show for it: everyone loves having a stunning photo to back up their incredible vacation, taken on a travel-friendly camera, along with other gadgets which make the whole vacation experience a lot easier and smoother.

Before you set off on your travels, it’s good to research what kind of gadgets you actually need, or what could help for the purpose of the trip. Maybe it’s a once in a lifetime action adventure, and you’re after something which can handle cool videos and underwater shots, or perhaps you just need a good pair of headphones for the soundtrack of your vacation.

So which tech pieces should you be considering for your next getaway?

1. A Camera

Depending on the amount of action you’re planning on during your travels, you can opt for a more standard camera or a GoPro; the latter is more suited if you’re planning on taking a lot of action shots, or water activities if you’re looking for something waterproof.

Even when you’ve decided between a normal camera or GoPro, you’ve still got a lot of options to sift through, so it’s important to read reviews and check whether a particular model is suited for your vacation.

If you’re not 100% sure on the product, it’s best to use comparison sites like choosist.com which will quiz you on what your requirements are before offering a handy guide on all the best gadgets suited.

2. A Tablet

Sometimes it’s necessary to need computer access while you’re traveling – maybe you will still need to check business emails, or perhaps you want to fill some time on the plane.

Whatever the reason, a tablet is much easier than taking a laptop, as it’s thinner, easier to handle, and lightweight.

Its skinny shape will also ensure it doesn’t take up too much room in your carry on, which is always a bonus.

3. Noise-Canceling Headphones

If you’re preparing for a long flight which may or may not have loud fellow passengers on it, you can’t go wrong with a pair of noise-canceling audio gear.

Most headphones these days also come as wireless options, which is even better for your travel plans.

Plus, over the ear headphones will helpfully signal to others that you don’t want to be disturbed.

Of course, you can still find wired, in-ear headphones if that’s your preference; there are a lot of options which are suited for quality music playback and durable for the transition between bags and places.

4. An E-Reader

If you’re a book fanatic who’s looking forward to some long hours spent reading in the sun during your vacation, or maybe you’ve got a long flight time to fill, an e-reader is a must-have device to save you a whole lot of weight and room packing those heavy books.

You can’t really go wrong whichever model you choose, but just be sure you’ve downloaded the books you need before jetting off!

Want to enjoy the nightlife in Amsterdam? I know that enjoying the night while traveling also experiences the culture of the city. And the nightlife in Amsterdam is very intense. All you have to do is go to bars and ballads to fill up with locals and tourists, all washed with lots of beer. And as if that wasn’t enough, Amsterdam has several pubs and houses with live music, the city still has cultural programs that are increasingly inflating the city throughout the year.

On April 27, for example, it was King’s Day, a celebration that stopped the country and colored the streets of orange. In August, the Amsterdam Gay Parade takes place, one of the most beautiful in the world with the right to parade ships through canals. I have prepared a guide with the best environmental direction to enjoy ballads and also some suggestions where you should visit to find a better Dutch nightlife. Dutch casinos also arouse interest in playing, but if you are a beginner, you can play on www.onlinecasinodeutschland.com.de and this is a better choice.

Amsterdam at night.

For those who don’t always have ballads like me, night in Amsterdam, Netherlands, starts early, around 9pm. The city is full of bohemian poles with great offers of bars, pubs and nightclubs, just select the one that has your profile. De Pijp District is the right choice for those who like bars with live music. Because this is not a tourist district, the experience at De Pijip is like the experience of the population.

Leidse Square is a reference in terms of nightlife. In the surrounding area there are bars, coffee shops, nightclubs. This area is always full of tourists no matter the time. If you doubt where to find anxiety, in Leidse square this is a certainty. Of course the Red Light District cannot be abandoned in the Bohemian city environment. Several bars and pubs are scattered in this area as well and tourist movements are always extraordinary. Even at Red Light there is a pub crawl which is the best choice for those who want to meet several places on the same night.

Important details are that the season affects ballads. Warmer time supports outdoor programs. Then the pubs put their tables outside and people tend to walk around until later. In cooler months, the choice is indoors, preferably by heating. But regardless of the time of year, national passion is beer. And Amsterdam has delicious craft beer, be sure to choose a pub to taste them.

Arendsnest Dutch beer has good beer.

Saying that beer in Amsterdam is delicious might seem like a joke considering that the Dutch were from a nauseous German party, famous for beer. But, in fact, the Dutch beer is very good and has nothing to lose for the neighbors.

The Arendsnest Dutch Beer Bar, which stands for Eagle’s Nest, is an unpretentious pub with a large selection of beers. Don’t go hoping to kill your hunger, here are drinks and snacks. The beers have varying prices, but all are calculated, ranging between 3 and 6 euros. The pub site has several values.

Hopefully this article can prepare you better to enjoy the nights in Amsterdam. And for more travel tips from Got News Wire, click here.

Southern Africa is one of the most naturally diverse regions on the continent and therefore is able to boast a wide variety of wildlife and postcard-worthy serene landscape. Here are four unique areas that you have to experience to believe.

Where: Pondoro Game Lodge, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Why: If you’re looking to enjoy the wonder of a safari in an exclusive, luxurious setting where you will receive exemplary service, look no further than Pondoro Game Lodge, located in the Balule Nature Reserve which falls within the Greater Kruger National Park.

As one of the top award-winning game lodges in South Africa, it offers guests private game drives of no more than eight people at a time. The expert guides will share with you their immense knowledge of the area to ensure that you’re able to set your eyes on the legendary Big 5 – it’s a sight you’ll treasure forever.

Where: Maasai Mara, Kenya

Why: The Maasai Mara is located in Kenya and renowned for being home to a large population of big cats: lions; leopards and cheetahs.

The region is famous for the Great Migration of wildebeest. This incredible natural wonder that sees millions of wildebeest begin their trip from the southern Serengeti to the Maasai Mara – late July / early August is the best time to visit the Mara. It’s guaranteed that this an exclusive experience that you’ll only find in Africa

Where: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Why: If you want to really ‘get off the grid’, then choose the Okavango Delta for pure, untouched wilderness. The UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest inland delta and due to its location on the northern edge of the arid sands of the Kalahari Desert, it attracts a surplus of wildlife that are dependent on the permanent water.

Among the islands in the delta, you can expect to see lions, elephants, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles. You’ll also have the pleasure of spotting antelope and smaller animals such as warthog, mongoose, spotted genets, monkeys, bush babies and tree squirrels.

There are also fantastic fishing spots in the Delta, but if you’re looking for a real challenge, head to the north of the Delta where the waters are faster and deeper. September to December is the season for the annual Okavango Catfish run – it’s a sight to behold.

Where: Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Why: Mana Pools conservation area and national park is located in northern Zimbabwe, alongside the lower Zambezi River. Along the river line, you’ll find a paradise of pools and floodplains, complemented by beautiful forests and baobab trees.

Mana Pools is renowned for its huge elephant population – and if that isn’t enough, lion and leopard are regularly seen. It is also one of the best places in southern Africa to witness the endangered species of wild dogs.

The campsites are completely unfenced meaning that you are ‘one with the wild’; there will most likely be no one else in close proximity – just the wild animals that might wander in between your tents. While you need to be careful, it’s an incomparable, wild experience.

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Hiking is an activity that many nomads engage in while they are on their travels. It allows them to see the true natural beauty of the destinations that they venture to and it keeps them healthy while they are away from their gym back home, so it’s a win-win.

If you’re a keen hiker, however, you need to know that this isn’t a particularly safe pastime. Even if you’ve never encountered any problems before now during your walks, there’s always the potential for danger to befall you no matter what trails you embark on. This, then, means that you have to take hiking safety seriously.

To see how you can stay safe while hiking, read on.

Never hike alone

No matter how experienced you may be as a hiker, it is never a good idea to hike alone. You should always have others alongside you when you decide to embark on trails, whether said trails are deemed to be particularly dangerous or not. This is because being with others will give you a better chance of escaping hazards should they befall you. Quite simply, your life could be saved by you having somebody there with you while you hike.

If none of your friends are keen hikers, fear not, as there are many ways for you to connect with fellow walkers via the web. One way to do so is to head to a marketplace like Escapewithpro, take a look at the plethora of multi-day group trips that are listed at the time, find the unique hiking experience that most excites you, and book your place on it. By going down this route, not only will you be able to find groups that you can go out hiking with, but you will also be able to come into contact with several hiking professionals.

Map out your route

It may be an exhilarating experience to follow your gut and go off the beaten track while you hike, but that is a surefire way to land yourself in trouble sooner rather than later. You must map out your route, as that will allow you to take the safest paths and know where you are at all times.

Keep your phone charged

Hiking hazards can arise at any time, so even heading out in a group and mapping out your route won’t save you from danger completely. It is for this reason why you must have the ability to contact others who aren’t on your hike with you, as they could end up being the ones to send help should you need it.

You never know when you might need to get into contact with someone, so it is essential that you head out on your hike with your phone fully charged. If your hike is a particularly long one, it is also recommended that you embark on your trail with a power bank.

Hiking may be a fun and healthy pastime, but it is still dangerous. You must take the above advice seriously, then, if you want to stay safe doing the thing that you love most.

A lot of tourist destinations cater to one or two attractions. But what place has the benefit of taking you for a spin in the arts, in history, and in flavor? There are more than a thousand and one reasons why you should visit New York City. But then again, is it that difficult to convince you to spend time traveling to NYC? If it is, then let me give three reasons to remind you why you have to book that trip to Manhattan right now.

For the arts

New York doesn’t shy away from having a lot of museums to its credit. You could spend a day inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and still find yourself only taking a peek at the extensive collection of art history that it contains. Housing 17 curatorial collections from different eras and cultures, you can bet your spare time that you’ll be finding too much to do in trying to go through every exhibit. Besides the permanent collections, special exhibits cycle in and out of partner institutions across the country and from around the world, which makes it an exciting trip every time you visit.

If you’re more of a fan of the performing arts, New York is, of course, New York. Every year, millions of locals and tourists watch Broadway shows in New York City’s 40 Broadway theaters. From 41st Street to 52nd Street, there will be a theater house for you to satisfy your theater addiction from classic operas, modern straight plays, to flamboyant musicals, there’s a show for every soul who wants to bring a dash of theater to their lives.

For the architecture

No trip to New York is ever complete without visiting the iconic Lady Liberty. You can either opt to see it from afar by New York Harbor or to see it up close and personal by visiting Liberty Island.

But the beauty of architecture doesn’t just stop in the monuments around New York. The Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic buildings in the city which isn’t just a piece of history but is also a living, breathing hub of the city as well. With its beautiful Grand Concourse and its symbolic depiction of Mercury as the God of Travel, the terminal is a testament to being an architectural beauty that stands timeless amidst the massive waves of commuters that have held it in great esteem from many generations before and many more generations to come.

For the food

New Yorkers are known to have quite an appetite, with hundreds of cafes, restaurants, and food trucks scattered throughout the city. You’ll be able to find a wide array of upper west side restaurants that cater to every palate imaginable ranging from the far reaches of eastern cuisine to the very best that the west has to offer. New York is not just home to impressive sights and compelling history; it also has a buffet of flavors to take your taste buds for a spin.

A continent that is always been confused as a country is a delightful place to visit. This continent is vastly diverse with its landscape, topography, and people. Housing almost 54 countries, Africa is a place that makes people visit it over and over. There’s a lot of places you can go for this trip and this piece has highlighted some of these places for you. From wildlife tour in Uganda to Namibian deserts, you will find a lot of interesting places highlighted down here. So, let’s hope that you are as excited as any traveller should be.

1. Uganda

The pearl of Africa is a beautiful place to visit. Its widely acclaimed gorilla trekking attracts people from all over the world. Half of the global population of gorillas reside over here along the gorilla tracks of Bwindi forest. These tours are usually small and can fit up to eight people. The time goes away faster once you’ve spotted the gorillas. This will definitely be a highlight of your entire trip as you see the gorillas in their natural habitat. There’s no such time to visit Uganda as it thrives beautifully throughout the whole season.

2. Kenya & Tanzania

People often merge the two trips together. This place is considered to be the best when it comes to seeing the “Great Migration”. Witness the sight of millions of zebras, wild beasts, and Gazelle completes their migratory, circle starting from Masa Mara (Kenya) to Tanzania. Even if you miss out on the migration season, Kenya & Tanzania still has a diverse wildlife to look out for. Can you imagine seeing 50 elephants walking in a herd across a field? Well, it is not an uncommon sight to behold here. Tanzania, on the other hand, is the home to the infamous Mt. Kilimanjaro.

3. Zambia and Zimbabwe

Visit these two countries to see the world’s largest waterfalls i.e. Victoria Falls. There are a ton of adrenaline filled activities to look out for like white river rafting on the Zambezi river. Zambia also has an amazing tour dedicated to walking safaris inside national parks. The peak season is during winter since it stays dry and the weather is slightly more bearable.

4. Namibia

This is one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world. You can climb on sand dunes or take a balloon ride over them while enjoying the spectacular view of the desert. You can’t see a lot of game here, but the landscapes of Namibia are almost ethereal. Be sure to look out for the desert and ghost town tours. Since it is a desert, be sure to pack both light and warm clothes.

5. South Africa

This is an exciting place to visit with its exciting package of adrenaline-filled activities that range from shark cage diving to mountain hikes. Experience the flavour of Durban which is an Indian cultural hub in Africa which rests over the Indian Ocean. Wine tours are available too but you can always opt for game watching which might be a bit more exclusive.

Some of the places which are mention worthy are as follows: Morocco, Egypt, Botswana.